Prevalence and Use of Medicinal Plants Among Pregnant Women in Assiut Governorate

Abstract

The present study aims to assess the prevalence and use of medicinal plants among pregnant women in Assiut Governorate for the first time. A cross-sectional, qualitative survey was used for this study. 400 pregnant women completed the questionnaire who attended the women's health clinic of 5 central hospitals in Assiut Governorate. About 66% of women had used medicinal plants in crude forms or as pharmaceutical prepackaged dosage forms during pregnancy. About 77% of them believed that the use of medicinal plants during pregnancy is safe. The study showed that most of respondents using herbs are suffering from nausea, vomiting, colds, cough, heartburn, colic, dyspepsia, flatulence. The most commonly used herbs were; Ginger, Mentha, Guava, Chamomile, Echinacea and Oats. The study emphasized the wide spread use of herbs by pregnant women in Assiut. The majority of pregnant women in Assiut Governorate are confident in using medicinal plants, as they are safe, especially when they are under medical supervision.